radioactive metal crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! If you're stuck on the clue "radioactive metal crossword clue", you've come to the right place. We provide quick, accurate solutions and detailed explanations to help you complete your puzzle with ease.
Solutions for "radioactive metal crossword clue" by Letter Count
6 Letters
RADIUM: A highly radioactive metallic element, discovered by Marie Curie, often used in luminous paints (though less so now due to its radioactivity) and medical applications.
7 Letters
URANIUM: A dense, silvery-white radioactive metallic element used as a fuel in nuclear reactors and in nuclear weapons. It's naturally occurring.
9 Letters
PLUTONIUM: A radioactive metallic element, highly toxic and fissile, primarily used in nuclear weapons and as fuel in nuclear reactors. It's largely man-made.
More About "radioactive metal crossword clue"
The clue "radioactive metal" is a classic in the world of crosswords, often pointing to elements known for their unstable nuclei and emission of radiation. These elements play significant roles in science, medicine, and energy, making them interesting subjects for puzzle setters.
Common answers for this clue often include elements from the actinide series, such as Uranium, Plutonium, and Thorium, as well as Radium, which famously played a role in early scientific discoveries by Marie Curie. When encountering this clue, consider the letter count and any other crossing letters you have to narrow down the possibilities.
Understanding the properties and common associations of these elements can give you a significant edge in solving such clues. For instance, think about their primary uses (nuclear fuel, medical tracers) or historical context (discovery, famous scientists).
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Check Letter Count First: Always verify the number of letters in the answer you're considering. This is the single most important constraint in any crossword clue like "radioactive metal crossword clue".
- Consider Common Knowledge: Crossword puzzles often lean on general knowledge. For scientific clues, think of the most widely known examples first (e.g., Radium, Uranium) before diving into more obscure elements.
- Look for Contextual Clues: Sometimes the clue might contain subtle hints, like "element discovered by Curie" (Radium) or "nuclear fuel" (Uranium, Plutonium). These extra words are gold!
- Utilize Crossings: Don't try to solve a tricky clue in isolation. The letters from intersecting words are your best friends in confirming or eliminating potential answers.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most common radioactive metal in crosswords?
While several radioactive metals appear, RADIUM and URANIUM are perhaps the most frequently encountered in crossword puzzles due to their historical significance and common knowledge.
Are all radioactive elements metals?
No, not all radioactive elements are metals. While many are (like uranium, radium, plutonium), some are metalloids (like polonium) or nonmetals (like radon, which is a noble gas).
How can I distinguish between similar crossword clues for radioactive elements?
Pay close attention to the number of letters required, specific qualifiers in the clue (e.g., 'named after a planet', 'used in early watches'), and any crossing letters you've already filled in. This helps narrow down possibilities like Uranium, Radium, or Thorium.